As IF Times

link The Canadian Press: CBS Masters coverage revolves around Tiger Woods.

This whole Tiger circus has exposed a very unsettling realization for me.  Men of all ages are in a deep bromance with Mr. Woods.  To watch the fawning coverage of his every expression, to report on every expletive he utters, to watch the full screen facial images after every shot, one can easily see that CBS is in love with our hero!  Because of the blockbuster ratings attributable to Woods’ return to professional competition and the related financial windfall from these ratings, I can see how CBS executives would be rapturous about his appearance at this year’s Masters Tournament. 

But it’s nauseating.  The networks are less reporting a golf tournament and more behaving like adolescent groupies at a Jonas Brothers concert. It’s as if you can feel middle aged men swooning when Tiger looks into the camera in rapt concentration.  As a matter of fact, if Gillette decided to market a fragrance based on Tiger, men would snap it up like it was free beer.  CBS made a point of reporting the many hugs he received from his fellow golfers. Oy.

A while ago, I opined that Tiger is not bigger than golf, but I admit that Tiger does seem to be bigger than the Masters.   A scan of google news will show 3 stories on Tiger, but no headlines on who is actually leading the tournament or any of the attendant drama.  He may as well be playing by himself, though we know he hasn’t been doing that.  It is obvious that CBS is milking the voyeurs not just golf fans.

Sports have always been the ultimate reality show, since most results are unscripted and the possibility of dramatic finishes have a timeless appeal.  Now, with all the tabloid style coverage of Tiger’s every move, the spectacle becomes less pure sport and more Dancing with the Stars.  The history and tradition of the Masters is not just about skilled players.  It is about the dignity of the game and the character of the champions.  Past champions like Bobby Jones, the founder of Augusta, to Palmer and Nicklaus were true exponents of the code and ambassadors for the game.  Despite the hushed, reverential tones and the syrupy theme music, the Masters risks becoming just another cash stop on the tour.

link Tiger Woods speaks: Praises fans, apologizes to fellow pros – USATODAY.com.

Well the golf event of the year has just happened.  Not quite the Masters, because that actually doesn’t begin until Thursday. I’m talking of course about the much anticipated Tiger Mea culpa.  The questions were pretty controlled and the world didn’t learn anything new.  The only issue was to assess his demeanor five months after the circus began.  There really isn’t much to tell anymore, other than for the tabloids which will dig for more lurid and shocking details from Tiger’s encounters.  From the golf world’s perspective, the only question is, can he still play like Tiger of old?

As if not already known in the world of celebrities big and small, the kind of ‘action’ Tiger indulged in is not unusual and almost rather ordinary.  When you have the combination of today’s cultural fascination with fame and outsized wealth, interesting things will happen.  Athletes and celebrities have always been able to do things on a level not available to the average schmo.  When you are the meal ticket for a phalanx of lawyers, handlers, admen, promoters and other hangers-onners, you will be constantly reassured of your greatness, of your charm and omnipotence.  For those accustomed to driving Hondas, when you get a chance to drive a Porsche Turbo, speed limits are for the regular folk.

Let’s get real here, the whole sordid Tiger mess has made an entire upcoming generation of sports wannabes take notes.  The lesson for them is that if they achieve a level of success and stardom like Tiger, they can live like it was the latter days of Rome:  The only detail is, don’t get married first to avoid the tsk tsking.   Throughout the history of the culture of man, the heroes and leaders have always lived outside of the rules and standards adhered to by the masses.  Those in a position to, will always get away with whatever they can.  Poor Tiger is just one among the many.  It’s no wonder that in most societies, traits like honor and integrity hold such respect….you seldom see it.  Finally, stop with the whining about what a failed role model that Tiger has turned out to be.  He’s a golfer.  If you don’t think golfers are fallible, just look at the adventures of John Daly.